A businessman who was held hostage for 19 days in Lara state, in central-western Venezuela, was released after a relative made a cryptocurrency payment of $800,000 of the $1 million initially demanded by the kidnappers, according to police reports obtained by the press.
The gang, according to La Prensa de Lara, called themselves "Los Cripto Activos" (The Crypto Assets) because of their preference for digital currencies. Payment was made in USDT, the main stablecoin on the market that maintains the same price as the dollar (USD), and is issued by the company Tether.
The case has caused a stir in the country after revealing the alleged involvement of active and inactive officials of the National Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Command (CONAS) of the Bolivarian National Guard, along with civilians.
According to the police report, seen by the Venezuelan media outlet NTN24 after the complaint was filed by the victim, the kidnapping was carried out by a group of at least ten people, including eight current and former CONAS officials, as well as two civilians.
However, it's important to note that the sources consulted reflect discrepancies. While police reports cited by NTN24 indicate a payment of $800,000 of the $1 million initially demanded, La Prensa de Lara and former prosecutor Zair Mundaray indicated that the amount was approximately $500,000. Furthermore, the first two sources differ on the date of the kidnapping, although both agree that it took place in late April and that the release occurred in mid-May.
The report states that the victim was traveling in his vehicle in late April when he was intercepted by three individuals dressed in black carrying long guns, who forced him into another car. After a drive of approximately 30 minutes, he was locked inside an abandoned house, the report states.
Following the complaint, authorities began an investigation that led to the arrest of five people allegedly linked to the incident. Among those arrested is Garrido Sánchez Roger Sánchez (48), identified as a CONAS Supervisory Sergeant in Portuguesa state, who is accused of planning, perpetrating, and negotiating the kidnapping.
Also arrested were Kender Alexander Castillo Osta (42), former member of CONAS; Natanael David Saavedra Alvarado (39), former member of CONAS; Robert Jesús Garrido Sánchez (47), civilian and alleged owner of the place of captivity, who also allegedly acted as caretaker; and Ángel Rafael Martínez Rodríguez (44), civilian, also identified as caretaker.
Former prosecutor Zair Mundaray reported the incident on social media.
Authorities reported that five other individuals allegedly involved in the kidnapping have been identified but are currently on the run. They include Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Gómez Morantes (ex-CONAS); Sergeant Major of the Second Division Julio Rivero (active GNB); Sergeant Major of the Second Division Neomar Páez (CONAS); a Sergeant Major of the Third Division named Páez (CONAS); and First Sergeant Marco Márquez (ex-CONAS).
During the arrest operation, logistical equipment was seized, including 11 cell phones, balaclavas, tactical helmets, handcuffs, a satellite internet antenna, a Chevrolet Optra, an HK rifle, three pistols (Beretta, Browning, and Tanfoglio), three AR-15 magazines, and a smoke grenade. However, no details were given regarding the cryptocurrency funds the victim's relatives paid to the kidnappers.